At least 14 workers were killed and six others injured at a Vanaja fireworks unit near Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu on Sunday (April 19, 2026).
Fire and Rescue Services personnel managed to put out the flames after a long struggle as the remnant chemicals and unfinished goods continued to explode at the site. The bodies of the workers were said to be blown off due to the impact of the explosions.
Those injured were rushed to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College hospital.
Officials were yet to ascertain whether the fireworks unit had obtained permission to work on Sunday, which is usually a holiday.
Soon after the fire accident was reported, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin deputed two Ministers to rush to the spot to coordinate relief operations.
